Pembrokeshire Sign Off in Style

Carmarthenshire U15s (53 all out) lost to Pembrokeshire U15s (55 for 6) by 4 wickets

The Pembrokeshire Regional Under 15 squad signed off in their final regional fixture with a thoroughly deserved victory over their counterparts from Carmarthenshire.

On a great batting track at Ammanford CC, it was strangely the bowlers who dominated with wickets falling regularly throughout the game. But the Pembrokeshire boys dug deep to secure the win showing off the depth of talent within the squad.

Carmarthenshire won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that backfired as Joe Phillips tore the top order to ribbons. Despite two early catches going down, the Wales U15 bowler tore in to return outstanding figures of 4 for 7. This left Carmarthenshire in tatters at 17 for 4 and they never recovered.

After Phillips and his opening partner William Phillips, who was very unlucky not to strike, took a breather, Harry Makepeace (3 for 8) and skipper Jacob Owen (3 for 8) continued the attack. Only Gruffydd Owen (10) managed double figures.

The bowlers were supported by some good catching from Owen Phelps, Lewis Miller and James Price - Phelps with the pick of the catches, a very sharp chance taken at gully. The ground fielding was also sharp to back up a superb bowling effort, particularly from Lucas Davies, Harry Fuller and Oli Bujega.

The Pembrokeshire reply came to a swift and damp halt after only one over as rain swept across the ground. Clearly the rain break inspired Carmarthenshire as opening bowlers Dan Thomas and Rhufon Phillips returned to give the batsmen a torrid time.

The pacy Thomas, another Wales U15 bowler, grabbed 2 for 11 with his opening partner picking up 2 for 17.

At 12 for 4 a target of 54 looked a tall order. But Dom Asson dug in and batted really well to see off the opening bowlers and was joined by Lewis Miller who played the innings of the day, hitting a superb 24 including two boundaries and taking his team to the cusp of victory.

It was left to the final pairing of Joe Phillips (10 not out) and Seth Willington (1 not out) to secure victory, Phillips hitting the winning runs with a beautiful square drive to the boundary.

Despite the shortened season, coach Mathew ‘Titch’ Davies and manager Darren Bujega were delighted to see their young charges finish 2020 unbeaten. For the players this was a fitting end to their regional cricket experience, during which they have represented Pembrokeshire with pride and distinction.

Pembrokeshire: Jacob Owen (capt), Owen Phelps, Seth Willington, Harry Fuller, Joe Phillips, Lewis Miller, Lucas Davies, William Phillips, Harry Makepeace, Dom Asson, James Price, Oli Bujega.